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New CIPD qualifications

In 2021 we'll be launching new CIPD qualifications with the new Profession Map at their core

Why are we developing new CIPD qualifications?

The world of work is shifting fast. Innovation and change is happening everywhere. The future will raise new questions, but also new opportunities.

In November 2018 we launched the new Profession Map which provides a strong foundation giving people professionals the confidence and capabilities to guide their decision making, actions and behaviours.

In 2021 we'll be launching new CIPD qualifications. At the core of the new qualifications is the new Profession Map.

What does this mean for you?

All current and future CIPD qualifications are up to date and fit for purpose and every qualification carries the CIPD stamp of approval.

Any CIPD qualification you achieve will both enhance and prove your capabilities as a people professional so there’s no need to wait to take your next step with us.

If you’re currently studying a CIPD qualification, you will still hold one of the most respected and valued qualifications in your field. The new qualifications will not affect the outcome of your current studies.

If you are thinking about studying a CIPD qualification, consider your own criteria when deciding which qualifications to undertake.

The table below highlights the main differences between the current and new CIPD qualifications.

Current CIPD qualifications

Overview: 17 qualifications to choose from

Foundation

Six possible qualifications

Awards, certificate or diploma size qualifications available in both Human resources practice and Learning and Development

Award, certificate or diploma size qualifications available in Human resources

Diploma size qualification in Learning and Development

Associate level membership outcome

New CIPD qualifications

Overview: Five key qualifications

Foundation

One certificate size qualification

A comprehensive foundation in People Practice, (incorporates HR and L&D)

Foundation level membership outcome

Associate

Two Diploma size qualifications

Each consist of a common core
+ a block of specialist units in either people management or learning and development
+ a further specialist unit to select from a list of possible options

Associate level membership outcome

Advanced

Two Advanced diploma size qualifications

Each consist of a common core
+ a block of specialist units in either people management or learning and development
+ a further specialist unit to select from a list of possible options

Associate level membership outcome. Upon successful completion, candidates with the relevant professional experience can apply for Chartered Membership

What next?

We'll update this page with more information over the coming months.

In the meantime look through our Frequently Asked Questions.

I'm a currently studying a CIPD qualification

I'm a currently studying a CIPD qualification

Q: What do the new CIPD qualifications mean for me as a student who is already studying one of the current qualifications?

When you have successfully completed your studies, you will still hold one of the most respected and valued qualifications in your field. Since the new Profession Map was launched in November 2018, your learning provider has been incorporating it wherever relevant. The new qualifications will not affect the outcome of your current studies. For example, if you’re studying a Foundation qualification, you will still be eligible for Associate membership.

Q: Will there be transition arrangements in place so that students taking the current qualifications, and wishing to move over to a new qualification, will be able to use what they have already achieved?

We are currently working on transition mapping and will be able to provide more detail on this later in the year.

Q: When will students be able to register for the new qualifications?

Students will be able to register from January 2021 at centres who are offering the new qualifications. Teaching will start in March 2021.

Q: When will the current qualifications end?

It will not be possible to register to start a current qualification after late Summer 2021.

I'm thinking about studying a CIPD qualification

I'm thinking about studying a CIPD qualification

Q: What do the new CIPD qualifications mean for me as a student who is thinking about studying a CIPD qualification?

All current and future CIPD qualifications are up to date and fit for purpose and every qualification carries the CIPD stamp of approval. Any CIPD qualification a you achieve will both enhance and prove your capabilities as a people professional so there's no need to wait to take your next step. This means that you need to consider you own criteria when deciding which qualifications to undertake, for example, your timeline, your desired outcomes etc.

Q: When will students be able to register for the new qualifications?

Students will be able to register from January 2021 at centres who are offering the new qualifications. Teaching will start in March 2021.

Q: When will the current qualifications end?

It will not be possible to register to start a current qualification after late Summer 2021.

I'm an employer planning development for teams

I'm an employer planning development for teams

Q: What do the new CIPD qualifications mean for my employees who are already studying the current qualifications?

When students have successfully completed their studies, they will still hold one of the most respected and valued qualifications in their field. Since the new Profession Map was launched in November 2018, learning providers have been incorporating it wherever relevant. The new qualifications will not affect the outcome of their current studies. For example, if they're studying a Foundation qualification, they will still be eligible for Associate membership.

Q: What do the new CIPD qualifications mean for those employees who I’m thinking about supporting through a CIPD qualification?

All current and future CIPD qualifications are up to date and fit for purpose and every qualification carries the CIPD stamp of approval. Any CIPD qualification your employee achieves will both enhance and prove their capabilities as a people professional so there's no need to wait. This means that you as an employer need to consider you own criteria when deciding which qualifications to support your employees through, for example, your timeline, your desired outcomes etc.

Q: When will students be able to register for the new qualifications?

Students will be able to register from January 2021 at centres who are offering the new qualifications. Teaching will start in March 2021.

Q: When will the current qualifications end?

It will not be possible to register to start a current qualification after late Summer 2021.